From having planned and, in a great measure, made it himself, he took in it a peculiar pride and interest.

He knew just the position of every plant and shrub, tree and flower, and in what sort of condition they were as regarded luxuriance and vigor.

Sitting quietly in his chair, his fancy could wander in and out along the winding paths, mindful of each new opening vista or backward scene--of where the shadow fell, and where the sunshine slept hottest; could inhale the fragrance of the tea-rose bush, and pause beneath the branches of the elm-tree; the material man remaining all the while motionless, with closed eyelids, or, now and then, half opening them to verify, by a glance, some questionable recollection.

This utilization, by the mental faculties alone, of knowledge acquired by physical experience, always produces an agreeable sub-consciousness of power--the ability to be, at the same time, active and indolent.
In about the centre of the garden, flopped and tinkled a weak-minded little fountain.

The shrubbery partly hid it from view of the balcony, but the small, irregular sound of its continuous fall was audible in the quiet of the summer afternoons.